New breakwaters in wharf planning

Cormier is working in collaboration with Fundy Engineering and Dr. Neil Ridler to design a development concept and business plan and has been using the schematic of ‘proposed changes to Digby Harbour’ in his conversations with stakeholders.

Later this year, the port association will be presented both a concept for short and long-term development of the harbour, and a business plan that costs and prioritizes each component of the finalized plan.

The March 2 version of the ‘interview tool’ shows two breakwaters, one protecting the exterior of the wharf, the other extending perpendicular to Water Street, parallel to the wharf’s ‘outer L’. It also shows land reclaimed north of the wharf, with a marine interpretive centre and fish processing plants relocated to that land. “I would say the breakwaters are priorities. Our goal is to make the harbour prosperous and efficient, and protecting the wharf is obviously a necessity,” says Cormier. “And the plan is looking ahead 15 to 20 years,” says fish processing plant owner Tom O’Neil, who serves on the executive of the port association. “We’ve proven the fisheries resource is viable and renewable and should go on for many, many years. And if we restore it even more, then we’ll need improved facilities. The changes Cormier is showing on his drawing—the reclaimed land with the relocated buildings—reflects this possibility,” said O’Neil.

So far, Cormier has interviewed 78 people and says he will talk to a dozen more. “It’s important to understand the goals of the whole community, not just those who use the wharf on a daily basis,” he said.

In addition to fishermen, fish processors, suppliers to the fishery and boat owners, Cormier said he has talked with the local MLA, the mayor, warden, board of trade, Digby Area Tourism Association and waterfront property owners. He plans to talk with people in the aquaculture industry, scientists with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and individuals with the Department of Tourism. “Tourism is important to Digby,” Cormier continues. “The breakwater that we’re planning at the centre of town could become a walkway. It could serve as an extension of the town’s waterfront, with a deck at the end for fishing, for pictures, for picnicking. “I understand an interpretive centre is planned for the area but right now there isn’t enough land to locate it downtown. There’s the possibility of creating seven or eight acres by filling across from the post office, right up to the Lady Vanessa. “The centre could also be used for cruise receptions, and it could be a meeting centre. “These things are beyond the scope of Digby Harbour Port Association’s plans,” says Cormier, “but it makes sense to consider all these possibilities at the same time.”

Cormier says when the development concept is at the point where the port association agrees with it, there will be a community open house where feedback will be welcomed. “Then we make adjustments and move on to the final costing and a 10-year business plan that includes an economic impact assessment.”

The next step is finding the money to finance the venture. “It will be millions, so we’re the association will definitely be needing government funding.”